Create stunning applique with Creativate Crafting Software and Momento

Having someone (or something) to cut your fabric while you work on another part of the project is fantastic. And it’s so easy with the Singer Momento and the Creativate Crafting Software!

Yesterday, I designed my quilt with the Creative Quilting Software and cut the pieces for my quilt using the Creativate Crafting Software to operate the Momento (24” digital cutter). Today it’s all about creating an applique for the center of my quilt.

Let’s get started!

It’s so much easier to share the process with you via a video, so sit back and see how easy it is to create an applique.

I added a circle to the mat for the flower center so I could cut both pieces of the flower on the same mat. Since they are different-colored fabrics, I placed the circle on the opposite end of the mat to make it easy to position the fabric.

The flower is raw-edge applique, so I’m adding a fusible web to the back of the fabric BEFORE cutting the shapes. There’s a massive discussion about which fusible web is the best. Honestly, I’ve tried many different brands, with various properties (no release paper, one-sided, and two-sided release paper). All of them work, but some work better than others. You need to experiment with various ones to find the product you like best.

In this instance, I found fusible web with NO release paper. As a result, I sandwiched the fusible web on the back of my fabric between two pieces of parchment paper.

If you’re going to use fusible web, ensure you adhere it well to the wrong side of the fabric. Should you take the paper off at this point? And which mat should you use? It all depends on the properties of the fusible web. You can check out the properties of fusible web in my January 2025 post, Mastering Fusible Web: types, uses, and essential TIPS.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

1. Some of the fusible webs have a tacky feel to them. NEVER put that tacky side directly onto a sticky mat. It will blend very nicely with the tacky surface of the mat and will be very challenging to remove.
2. If you’re using a fusible web with paper, it’s possible to put the paper down on a Standard Grip mat and have the fabric face up. Make sure the paper is securely attached to the fabric.
3. Depending on whether your fabric is face up/face down, you may need to mirror your image to ensure it’s in the correct orientation, which is especially important for lettering and other directional shapes.

Then I positioned my two pieces of fabric on the Fabric Grip mat (12” x 24” in horizontal orientation) to correspond to the positions in the Crafting Software. It’s time to load the mat. Note in this picture, my fabrics are face down on the Fabric Grip mat, with the fusible web (no release paper) facing up.

I’m ready to cut, so I select the Output Tool in the Crafting Software. Here’s the screen with instructions about which blade or other tool to insert into the Dual Tool Holder. Yes – there are two holders, so depending on what I’m doing, I could place two different tools in the holders.

The cutting was complete before I could walk across the room. Next, I’ll remove the excess fabric and admire my shapes.

Depending on the condition of your mat, you may get a few threads that didn’t cut through. I had used this mat in the past to cut a bunch of letters that cut a bit deeper than they were supposed to. It was operator error in setting the force needed. I now rely on the auto settings! As a result, whenever I cut something in that area, I sometimes get these threads that don’t cut through. That’s OK – it’s easy to fix with a pair of snips nearby.

And here’s my floral applique in the center of my quilt! All that is left to do is put a satin stitch around the edge and sew the rows together. That was so easy!!!

Here are a couple of maintenance tips about your Momento. When you see loose threads along the Grit Shaft, be sure to remove them. You don’t want them to block a sensor or get caught further in the mechanism.

You also want to keep the Pinch Wheels clear of debris. Remove the threads with tweezers and clean the wheels with a baby wipe.

While I like to see the beautiful front of the Momento, it’s a good idea to make a cover to protect it from dust. It’s incredible how much dust and lint can quickly collect in a sewing space. There’s a free pattern for this on the Creativate website. I cut the shapes in the center section with the Momento.

And you’ll want to keep all your Momento accessories right beside your digital cutter so they’re easily accessible. I have my markers and other cutting tools handy.

One thing I’ve noticed is that when my Momento is out, I use it more often than when I have to dig it out from under a table. Easy accessibility is the key to frequent use of the fantastic tool.

Let’s say you can’t find a shape you want in the shape menu of the Crafting Software. Remember, you can distort any shape by turning off the lock proportions button. You can also easily create a new shape by overlapping two or more shapes and then welding them. Welding them will remove any excess cut lines! It’s super easy! Check it out.

WOW — it’s so easy to create applique and cut with the Singer Momento. I can cut raw-edge applique pieces with fusible web on them, or I can cut applique shapes with seam allowances marked for needleturn, and so much more. There’s so much that you can do with the Singer Momento and the Creativate Crafting Software.

Now, if you have an embroidery machine, guess what? Yes – you can create applique in the Creativate Embroidery Software, cut the applique shapes on the Momento, and then embroider them. We’re going to explore that tomorrow, so stay tuned!!!

Have a great day!!!

Ciao!!!!

This is part 3 of 5 in this series

Go back to part 2: Design & Cut Quilts easily with Creativate Quilting Software and Momento